Both Middlesbrough FC and Hartlepool United have generously given shirts for donation to an African children’s home by Pools boss Cooper, his fellow Riverside legend and new assistant Craig Hignett and fellow Teessiders.

The group, which also features Hartlepool-born Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, leave the UK tomorrow, ready for their bid to conquer Africa’s highest mountain.

They aim to visit the Amani children’s home in Moshi, at the foot of the peak, after completing their trek. Many of its children, aged eight to 14, are former street children.

Cooper and co will also give out footballs donated by Stokesley firm CS Sportswear.

The trekkers are climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Finlay Cooper Fund in aid of children’s causes, mainly on Teesside.

The fund was named in memory of the son Colin and his wife Julie lost in a choking accident shortly before his second birthday 11 years ago.

Colin said: “There’s much poverty in Tanzania so it was great news when the football clubs said they would like us to take something with us to give to the children’s home.

“The generosity of Boro, Pools and CS Sportswear is much appreciated. We’re taking on a heck of a challenge to make a real impact on children’s causes back here on Teesside with the funds we raise, but it’s great that we can also do some good for the children out in Africa too.”

Finlay Cooper Fund trustee Nick Waites, a Boro season card holder, who is also heading for Africa, said: “Visiting the home to give out the shirts and footballs will give us all something really positive to focus on as we struggle back down the mountain, no doubt with aching limbs.”

Boro shirts will also be donated to the African porters who will accompany the fundraisers on their trek.

The group will trek for up to 13 hours a day to reach the top of the mountain, walking through five climate zones from temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to a frostbiting -15 degrees.

They fly out to Africa tomorrow and aim to reach the summit on June 13.